Quick release weight bar clamp and method for use

Abstract

A quick release clamp having two crescent halves coupled at one end by a hinge and a spreader spring at the opposite end. A cam follower is coupled to the spring end of the crescent halves and configured to receive a handle. A handle, containing a cam configured to engage the cam follower, which when parallel to the hinge does not engage the cam and the clamp is open, and when rotated a quarter turn engages the cam and closes the clamp.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms as to enable one skilled in the art to understand and practice the same, the invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A quick release weight bar clamp comprising: a collar having; a first crescent half,   a second crescent half,   a hinge pivotally coupling a first end of said first crescent half to a first end of said second crescent half,   a spreader spring moveably coupling a second end of said first crescent half to a second of said second crescent half, said spreader spring biasing said second end of said first half away from said second end of said second half, and     a handle having; a handle body, and   said handle body containing a cam configured to engage said cam follower, urging said second end of said first crescent toward said second end of said second crescent, compressing said spreader spring,   said cam follower extending into said cam;   a cover plate coupling said handle to said collar; and   a crescent liner coupled to the inside of said first crescent half and said second crescent half.     
     
     
       2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said cam follower further comprises: a first cam follower half extending perpendicularly outward from said second end of said first crescent half,   said first cam follower having a planar face adjacent to and flush with said second end of said first crescent half,   a second cam follower half extending perpendicularly outward from said second end of said second crescent half, and   said second cam follower having a planar face adjacent to and flush with said second end of said second crescent half.   
     
     
       3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein said cam further comprises: a cam opening defined by one end of said handle body;   a buffer space defined by said handle body and contiguous with said cam opening;   a buffer;   a compression spring extending from one end of said buffer, coupling said buffer into said buffer space; and   a buffer surface extending from an end of said buffer opposite said compression spring and projecting into said cam opening.   
     
     
       4. A weight lifting device comprising: a bar;   at least one weight slideably mounted on a first end of said bar;   a quick release clamp mounted on said bar outwardly from said at least one weight; and said quick release clamp comprising: a collar encircling said bar, having; a first crescent half,   a second crescent half,   a hinge pivotally coupling a first end of said first crescent half to a first end of said second crescent half,   a spreader spring moveable coupling a second end of said first crescent half to a second end of said second crescent half, said spreader spring biasing said second end of said first half away from said second end of said second half, and   a cam follower extending perpendicularly from said second ends of said first and said second crescent halves,     a handle having; a handle body, and   said handle body containing a cam configured to engage said can follower, urging said second end of said first crescent toward said second end of said second crescent, compressing said spreader spring,     said cam follower extending into said cam;   a cover plate coupling said handle to said collar; and   a crescent liner coupled to the inside of said first crescent half and said second crescent half.     
     
     
       5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said cam follower further comprises: a first cam follower half extending perpendicularly outward from said second end of said first crescent half;   said first cam follower having a planar face adjacent to and flush with said second end of said first crescent half;   a second cam follower half extending perpendicularly outward from said second end of said second crescent half; and   said second cam follower having a planar face adjacent to and flush with said second end of said second crescent half.   
     
     
       6. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein said cam further comprises: a cam opening defined by one end of said handle body;   a buffer space defined by said handle body and contiguous with said cam opening;   a buffer;   a compression spring extending from one end of said buffer, coupling said buffer into said buffer space; and   a buffer surface extending from an end of said buffer opposite said compression spring and projecting into said cam opening.   
     
     
       7. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein at least one weight is slideably mounted on a second end of said bar and a second quick release clamp is mounted on said bar outwardly from said weight. 
     
     
       8. A method of suing said quick release clamp, comprising the steps of: providing a bar;   providing at least one slideable weight;   providing a quick release clamp;   said quick release clamp comprising: a collar encircling said bar, having; a first crescent half,   a second crescent half,   a hinge pivotally coupling a first end of said first crescent half to a first end of said second crescent half,   a spreader spring moveable coupling a second end of said first crescent half to a second end of said second crescent half, said spreader spring biasing said second end of said first half away from said second end of said second half, and   a cam follower extending perpendicularly from said second ends of said first and said second crescent halves,     a handle having; a handle body; and   said handle body containing a cam configured to engage said cam follower, urging said second end of said first crescent toward said second end of said second crescent, compressing said spreader spring,   said cam follower extending into said cam;   a cover plate coupling said handle to said collar; and   a crescent liner coupled to the inside of said first crescent half and said second crescent half;     placing at least one slideable weight on one end of said bar;   placing said quick release clamp on said bar, outwardly from said weight; and   clamping said collar to said bar by rotating said handle on quarter turn.